Small space, proper workspace
When we began the conversion, the challenge was simple: could we turn one of the smallest rooms in the building into a genuinely useful office?
We jokingly set out to create the world’s smallest office. We cannot officially claim the title, but it must be a contender. It is certainly cosy.
Although the footprint is limited, the finished room includes everything needed for productive work:
- A full-sized desk and office chair
- Monitor and dedicated webcam
- Power and data connections
- Whiteboard for notes and planning
- Natural light from two small windows
- Electric heating
- Shelving and storage
- Timber slat wall detailing
- Plants and simple decorative touches
The layout was carefully planned to make use of every available area without leaving the room feeling purely functional. The timber slats introduce warmth and texture, while the grey walls, white surfaces and planting give the space a clean, contemporary finish.
The result is compact, but it does not feel like a converted cupboard.
More than just a one-person office
While the room works perfectly well as a small private office, we have found that it is particularly useful as a dedicated Teams room.
Video meetings can be difficult in a busy shared office. Background conversations create distractions, confidential calls become awkward and other people’s meetings can quickly become disruptive. This room gives users somewhere private to take a call, join an online meeting or have a focused conversation without disturbing the wider workplace.
It also works well as a quiet focus room. Sometimes people simply need an hour away from phones, conversations and general office activity to complete a piece of concentrated work. A small, enclosed room can be far more valuable in those moments than another desk in an open-plan area.
Making existing buildings work harder
This project is a good example of what can be achieved by looking differently at the space already available.
Older and converted buildings often contain cupboards, alcoves and awkward rooms that no longer serve their original purpose. They may never become conventional offices, but with sensible planning they can still provide valuable workspace.
Not every room needs to accommodate several desks. Modern workplaces also need private call rooms, video-conferencing spaces and places where people can work without interruption. In many buildings, the answer may already exist behind a door that has been overlooked for years.
So, is this officially the world’s smallest office? Probably not.
Is it cosy, nicely finished and surprisingly useful? Definitely.
And it is a considerable improvement on a cleaners’ cupboard.
